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TMJ Dysfunction

Krystal N.

"I was referred by my Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon to MTI Physical Therapy in Bellevue for treatment with TMJ issues that I'm having with an auto accident. I'm very impressed by the cleanliness of the office and professional staff. Mathew is very professional and thorough. He took the time to exam and treat the affected areas. I'm very pleased with the service I'm receiving."

Kathy M.

"Dr. Jim McGuire has been my go to guy for five years now. He has always been spot on with his diagnoses and treatments that I have needed for various issues. Initially from TMJ to a couple falls. He is knowledgeable in every issue I’ve dealt with and has pursued continued education to be the top in his field. His cordial personality makes it easy to communicate. I highly recommend Dr. Jim."

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction Can Be Difficult to Live With – PT Can Help

Are You Ready to Find Relief for Your Jaw Pain?

Do you have difficulty chewing or yawning? Do you experience jaw pain? Do you hear clicking noises when you open or close your mouth? If so, you may have TMJ dysfunction.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMD, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness of the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles.The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull. If there is an injury to this joint or it becomes damaged in any way, TMD may develop.

The temporomandibular joint is a complex and important structure composed of bones, tendons, and muscles that may cause you to feel pain on one or both sides of the jaw. This can make it very difficult to open your mouth, talk, yawn, and chew.

Could you be living with TMD? Request an appointment with MTI Physical Therapy to find relief today.

Your Neck and Posture May Contribute

The mechanics of the TMJ are intricately related to the upper cervical spine joints. Restriction in these joints, as well as poor posture, can put the TMJ in a position where it is more easily irritated as you use it with daily activities. It’s not as simple as just sitting up straight. Your OMPT trained physical therapist can assess and treat your posture and cervical joint mechanics with manual therapy techniques to improve your TMJ symptoms.

Physical Therapy Relief and TMD

A jaw specialist, typically specially trained dentists, may also use a dental splint to keep teeth properly aligned and prevent tooth grinding. Other types of medical treatment include trigger point acupuncture, joint replacement, or a TMJ arthroscopy.

However, if you want to avoid taking pain-relieving medication and use a more holistic approach, physical therapy is perhaps one of the most effective treatments for TMJ dysfunction. Specific joint mobilization to the TMJ can help to normalize its motion, resolve the clicking, reduce pain and improve your ability to open your jaw.

At your initial appointment with MTI Physical Therapy, a comprehensive evaluation will be done on your neck, shoulder girdle, and thoracic spine in order to determine if those structures are causing your symptoms. Afterward, one of our dedicated Bellevue, Edmonds, Magnolia, Fremont, First Hill, WA physical therapists will create a treatment plan based on the nature of your symptoms and your specific needs.

Our physical therapist will analyze your jaw mobility and release muscle tension in the areas surrounding your neck and head. The goal of physical therapy is to restore your normal function, as well as to restore the normal interaction of the jaw muscles and joints.

I Think I May Have TMJ Dysfunction – How Can I Tell?

Symptoms of TMD include pain in the jaw, jaw clicking, headaches (often after eating), sore jaw muscles, locking of the jaw, pain in the temple, and earaches.

There are many reasons why TMD may develop, but some common causes include poor posture, mechanical restriction in your neck, past trauma to the jaw or neck, misalignment of the teeth, gum chewing, teeth grinding, or a jaw injury. If you believe you may be suffering from this condition, a physical therapist will analyze your medical history and perform a physical exam. Your physician may also send you to an otolaryngologist or a dentist specializing in jaw disorders or imaging and additional diagnostic testing.

The idea is to rule out other medical problems before diagnosing the patient with TMD, as the symptoms may also be due to a condition known as trigeminal neuralgia, salivary gland disease, or even swollen lymph nodes.

Once your diagnosis has been determined, you will be treated based on the nature of your symptoms.

Find Relief for TMJ Dysfunction Today

If you are in First Hill, Fremont, Edmonds, or Bellevue and are suffering from the symptoms of TMD, request an appointment at MTI Physical Therapy. Our physical therapists are patient-centric and committed to your health, working hard to help you manage and eliminate symptoms.

Don’t suffer from jaw pain and stiffness any longer!